What happened
On the scheduled cargo flight DLH8457, an Airbus A300 (implied cargo configuration) was prepared for departure from Sharjah, U.A.E., bound for Frankfurt, Germany. Prior to departure, the crew performed standard pre-flight procedures, including an external walk-around, noting only a few previously reported technical defects from the preceding sector.
After receiving clearance to taxi to runway 30, the crew calculated takeoff speeds based on a 10-degree flap setting and reduced thrust configuration. The takeoff roll began at 16:33:32. During the acceleration, the tower controller alerted the crew to an audible bang and visible smoke emanating from the right side of the aircraft.
In response to this information, the pilot initiated an aborted takeoff at 16:34:26, when the aircraft had reached 165 KIAS. The crew applied full reverse thrust, set power levers to idle, deployed speed brakes, and utilized manual braking. Despite these efforts, the aircraft continued to accelerate to 171 KIAS before deceleration began. The aircraft was unable to stop within the available runway distance. To avoid hitting elevated approach lights at the runway end, the pilot steered the aircraft to the left, causing it to come to a rest in an open sandy area roughly 30 metres from the runway edge in a nose-low position. There were 0 fatalities and the crew successfully evacuated via the right upper deck door.
Findings
- The takeoff was aborted following an audible bang and the observation of smoke on the right side of the aircraft.
- The aircraft failed to stop within the designated accelerate-stop distance.
- The aircraft exited the prepared runway surface due to insufficient stopping distance, necessitating a turn to avoid runway lighting structures.